The Indian smartwatch market is at a saturation point right now. Players like boAt, Nose, and many others offer smartwatches for as cheap as 1K with a passable list of features. However, Xiaomi has not been able to carve a niche for itself in this market segment as they’ve in the smartphone market. Well, that was until now cause I believe the Redmi Watch 3 Active is a game-changer in all aspects. Xiaomi is offering the Redmi Watch 3 Active at an attractive price of Rs 3K and covers a lot of ground when it comes to providing basic features along with an aesthetically pleasing design & a cherry on the top with Bluetooth calling. So, should it be your next smartwatch? Find out below –
Design: Straightforward
Redmi Watch 3 Active closely resembles an Apple Watch thanks to its rectangular design and soft rounded corners. It is a plastic build watch but looks ultra premium thanks to a non-conductive vacuum metallisation coating. It has a large 1.83-inch display however, it is not heavy by any means. I spend the majority of my time typing content and have to put any watch or bracelet aside whenever I am at work. However, I didn’t need to do that with the Redmi Watch 3 Active as it’s that lightweight at just 41.67 grams. There’s a single button here which works well. Overall, the no-nonsense design of the Redmi Watch 3 Active will attract a lot of eyeballs. You can choose between charcoal black or platinum grey colours. I used the charcoal black variant coupled with an olive-green strap which Xiaomi is selling at Rs 499. However, the black silicone strap you receive in-box of the device is not bad by any means. It is comfortable, however, the mechanism to hook the watch on your wrist might take some getting used to.
Performance: Beyond Expectations
As a tech reviewer, I have to switch between a lot of devices which require daily charging. Charging devices has become a hassle for all of us but the Redmi Watch 3 Active makes your life easier with its battery prowess. While Redmi promises 12-day battery life for this one, I was able to get 10 days out of the Redmi Watch 3 Active with active BT calling and general fitness tracking. When you take into consideration that this watch offers 24/7 heart rate and SpO2 tracking then the battery life becomes more than just impressive. I did not carry the charging cable for this watch while I was travelling across states for events as there was no fear of the battery running out.
There are a lot of customization options available for users when it comes to the watch faces. Redmi promises 200+ watch faces but I found myself sticking to the default watch face. The Bluetooth calling feature here is simply awesome as I did not face any issues while receiving calls on the watch for extended hours. Additionally, the speaker volume is good enough for you to not stick the watch to your ear while receiving calls in an indoor environment. I predominantly used the step tracker, heart rate monitor, SpO2, stress and sleep monitor features of the watch. While I am unsure about the accuracy of these parameters, they work well. Additionally, you also get music controls, an alarm, weather updates, and also a theatre mode for uninterrupted film watching. All these features make the Redmi Watch 3 Active a complete package for the price!
Verdict
Redmi Watch 3 Active is an easy choice for people looking for a smartwatch in the 3K price category. It has everything you need coupled with a classy design which makes it a complete package.
Oneplus managed to win back its core fanbase with the launch of the OnePlus 11 and 11R. The flagship 11 and flagship killer 11R both were value offerings from OnePlus which was struggling to find its footing amid changed leadership. 2023 has already been great for the company and its latest release i.e. OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is another winning attempt by the company. The latest launch is a value offering that ticks all the correct boxes for a device that is smartly placed at the Rs 27K price point for the base variant. Check out the detailed review of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G below –
Design: Flat Supremacy
We’re living in times where phones are predominantly curved. Nord CE3 5G breaks that norm and brings a flat form factor. The flat edges are sharp as a blade, while not everyone will find this design choice appealing, one cannot deny that it looks sexy. The right side of the device features a volume rocker and a lock button. There is no alert slider on this one, OnePlus has reserved that for the flagship devices. However, you get an IR Blaster on the top which is a great upgrade. The design language of the Nord CE3 5G is simple, yet elegant. The variant I used was called ‘Aqua Surge’ which is not as intense as it sounds. The back of the device is visually pleasing but loses its charm when you put on the in-box cover provided by OnePlus.
Display: The Highlight
An AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ is something one expects from devices past the 30K price point nowadays. However, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G does not cut any corners when it comes to the display. The 2412 x 1080P display is vibrant to look at. It has a screen-to-body ratio of 93.4% and a touch sampling rate of 240Hz. Watching content on this screen is a treat. I watched hours’ worth of content and Nord CE3 5G’s display won over Samsung F54’s display in comparison.
Camera: Flagship but mid performance
Cameras have never been the strong suit for devices placed in the sub-30 K price bracket. However, on paper, The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G features a strong set of sensors. The primary lens here is the flagship 50MP Sony IMX890 which was also used in the OnePlus 11. Along with it is an 8MP ultra-wide lens, coupled with a 2MP macro lens. We get a 16MP selfie camera here which is just alright to get the job done. ‘Just Alright’ were my sentiments during the testing of this camera setup as it does not really overwhelm you with great shots or underwhelm you with a bad performance. The camera setup for the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is simply mid.
Performance: Smooth Sailing
With a Snapdragon 782G chipset coupled with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, There’s nothing really that this device cannot handle. If you’re an average mobile user who switches between a few apps throughout the day with some casual gaming then this is the device for you. It packs a 5000mAh battery which can be juiced up with an 80W SUPERVOOC charger. OnePlus’ commitment to providing a charger in the box is really appreciated at a time when manufacturers do not consider it a priority. It features the X-axis linear motor for haptic feedback which makes using the device fun. The in-display fingerprint sensor is snappy, whereas the dual Dolby stereo speakers are a treat for the audiophile. Overall, the performance of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is stable and leaves no room for desire.
Verdict
With solid hardware and aesthetic design packaged under Rs 30K, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is easy to recommend. The camera performance could’ve been better, but overall, the device is a winner.
It won’t be an over-exaggeration to claim that the 2023 variant of the HP Omen 17 with the RTX 4080 GPU and 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX is the best gaming laptop money can buy right now. It comes with a hefty price of ₹2,69,990, which confused me as to whether a gaming purist would invest this much in a laptop rather than custom building their own desktop. But after spending a reasonable amount of time with the HP Omen 17, I can confidently say that even the hardcore gaming desktop user will consider it their primary gaming device. There’s a lot to love with this gaming beast but also two major issues which can be a deal breaker for many.
Design: Nothing New
The HP Omen 17’s 2023 model does not bring any changes in the design section but boasts the latest hardware. It has a simple and plain black design with an HP Omen logo on the lid which reflects lighting. People looking for an aesthetically pleasing laptop cannot consider this one as it is not exactly eye candy. The first thing you’ll notice when you pick it out of the box is how bulky this machine is. This by no means is a lightweight laptop as it weighs a huge 2.78 kg. The ‘Heavyweight Champion’ title for this one suits it the best! It has a sturdy metallic build with a matte finish all over it. This is a double-edged sword as while the matte finish itself flaunts a classy aesthetic, it is also a fingerprint magnet. The 17.3-inch QHD display rests strongly on a solid hinge but the lid wobbles a little too much for my anxious self.
It sports an optical-mechanical keyboard which does not come with a dedicated number pad. Thus, heavy-duty typing will not be an issue for users. HP has shown no stringency when it comes to the port selection of this laptop. On the left side, you get a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB-A) Port, a Mini DisplayPort, an HDMI 2.1 port, One Thunderbolt 4 port, an audio jack and an SD card slot. The right side features just two USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports.
Display: Standout
The Omen 17 brings in a 17.3-inch IPS display with a high refresh rate of 240Hz. It sports a QHD resolution of 2560×1440 pixels with a peak brightness of 300 nits. The brightness is good enough for indoor settings and given the weight of this laptop, very few would consider carrying it around so it won’t be an issue. There’s a lot to love with the display as it produces punchy colours and has great viewing angles coupled with a high refresh rate. While it was not a problem with me, some would definitely not appreciate HP sticking with the 16:9 aspect ratio while many companies have now moved on to 16:10.
Performance: One Complaint
With a laptop which boasts features like a 13th Gen Intel i9 and RTX 4080 GPU and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, you don’t really worry whether it will perform well. It handles pretty much everything you throw at it ranging from gaming to editing high-resolution videos. I played Detroit: Become Human and Marvel’s Spider-Man on this machine resulting in optimum performance for an immersive gaming experience. Sure, the laptop needs to dissipate heat and its fans get loud, but never loud to the point where it takes you out of the game. You can barely notice any frame rates dropping during extensive gaming sessions on the HP Omen 17 which is simply amazing.
However, there is one major complaint when it comes to this laptop. You simply cannot run it without keeping it hooked to the power source. It does not matter if you’re playing games or consuming content on OTT platforms, the battery drains quickly. This is the quickest battery drain I’ve ever experienced on a laptop with a 100 to 50 power drop in just half an hour of YouTube. Additionally, the weight of this laptop coupled with the weight of the bulky charger packaged by HP in the box makes it impossible to call it portable.
Verdict
The HP Omen 17 is the quintessential laptop for all gamers out there who do not wish to invest in a desktop setup. The NVIDIA 4080 GPU coupled with 32GB DDR5 SDRAM and 13th Gen i9 makes it a complete package.
The MSI Modern 15 B13M gracefully upholds its purpose, embodying a slender and feathery laptop that dances within the realms of affordability, catering to professionals and the vibrant youth. It boasts configurations that quickly tackle everyday tasks while remaining gentle on the budget.
The Modern 15 B12M exudes a compact essence. Its slender frame encases a magnificent Full HD IPS display, and within its core lies the potential to be configured with the 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1335U, accompanied by 8-GB RAM, a 512-GB SSD, and the prowess of Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
Specifications
Weight – 1.7 kg
CPU – 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1335U Processor
When it comes to design and build quality, the Modern 15 B13M, in its matte black elegance (named Classic Black), exudes simplicity and sophistication. It stands firm and unyielding, boasting a sturdy composition of plastic for both body and lid. Its metallic exterior, enveloped in a brushed texture, bestows a sleek and captivating allure, radiating a sense of solidity.
At a mere 1.7 kilograms, this featherlight wonder showcases the embodiment of minimalism. However, one must exercise caution, for the Modern 15 possesses an affinity for fingerprints, leaving delicate marks with the lightest touch. Remarkably, it features the ability to tilt up to 180 degrees, allowing for effortless flattening on any surface, making it an ideal companion for meetings.
The left side reveals a charging port, an HDMI port, 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 1x Type-C USB3.2 Gen2 with PD charging, a 3.5mm audio combo, and LED notifications. Meanwhile, the right side boasts 2x Type-A USB2.0 ports and a micro-SD Card Reader slot. The lower side of the laptop showcases ventilation grilles that facilitate heat dissipation, accompanied by two cutouts catering to the speakers.
Display
The MSI Modern 15 B13M boasts a 15.6” Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level panel possessing wide viewing angles and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz. The HD Webcam of the laptop is encased on top and offers HD support with 30fps@720p. The brightness of the laptop is sufficient for indoor usage, but it pales in when challenged by the great outdoors and sunlit spaces.
Keyboard
As our fingers embark on the journey across the chiclet-type keyboard of the MSI Modern 15, they dance upon keys with a mere 1.5mm of travel. A single-colour LED backlight, radiating a gentle white glow with three levels of adjustable brightness, graces this remarkable keyboard. The generous spacing between keys transforms the typing experience into a symphony of elegance.
Performance
Harnessing the power within, the MSI Modern 15 B13M stands equipped with a 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1335U Processor, accompanied by 8-GB RAM and the formidable Intel Xe Graphics. Embarking on a journey of storage, we discover the presence of a 512-GB SSD, poised to house our digital treasures.
The configuration sets the platform for the perfect union of productivity and elegance, transcending the limits of mere ultrabooks and serving users with a performance above the ordinary. Under the banner of graphics, the mighty Intel Xe graphics steps forth, commanding the stage with the might to conquer daily tasks and workloads.
Cinebench R23 beckons the i5-1335U, revealing an impressive single-core benchmark score of 1219, while the multi-core benchmark paints a glorious picture, boasting a resolute 7065. Now, the tale of temperature and noise unfolds. When idle, tranquillity reigns as cool temperatures embrace the laptop. However, when burdened by the weight of intensive apps, heat permeates certain areas. The regions beneath the screen, the sides of the keyboard, and the bottom vents bear the brunt of this fiery dance. Yet, the palm rests, and the keyboard remains untouched by the flames, providing an oasis of coolness amidst the chaos. Even under the most strenuous of tasks, the laptop never raises its voice to excessive volumes, whispering a promise of serenity.
Sound
The speakers, nestled within the depths of the laptop’s underbelly, emit a gentle symphony. Though their prowess fills small to medium-sized rooms with a resolute presence, they yearn for the depths of bass, leaving us desiring more, while media playback finds solace in the embrace of headphones.
Verdict
Thus, we reach the end of our journey through the MSI Modern 15 B13M, a laptop that aspires to conquer the realms of everyday tasks adorned in a cloak of elegance and affordability. It may not be a champion of gaming or a harbinger of extravagance, but it stands resolute in its purpose, beckoning the souls of professionals and the vibrance of the youth.
Xiaomi India recently launched the Redmi Buds 4 Active, an affordable earbuds priced at ₹1,399, alongside the Xiaomi Pad 6. The budget-friendly TWS earbuds are offered in two colour variants in India and will be available for sale from June 20th. The company has also announced a special launch price in which the buds will be available for sale at ₹1,199, valid till June 23.
The TWS market in India is dominated by audio brands like Boat, Boult and Mivi due to their affordable prices. However, audio devices made by smartphone brands like Oppo, Redmi, Samsung and OnePlus enjoy a decent share of the clustered audio market. The Redmi Buds 4 Active feature several decent features that make it an appealing buy for the price. Let’s see where they stand out.
Available Colours – Bass Black and Air White
Design
The design language of the Redmi Buds 4 Active is drastically different from the Buds 3 Active, which had a lock-in design. While the Buds 4 Active arrives with a stick earpiece, which makes them more appealing. The generically designed charging case of the Buds 4 Active houses Redmi branding at the back, a small LED indicator, and a USB-C port at the bottom.
The colour variant we received for the review is branded Air White, and at first look, the charging case seemed like a portable egg. Inside the case, the earbuds are nestled, and once you open the lid, they’ll welcome you with two bright LED indicators. Like the case, the Redmi Buds 4 Active are featherlight and sit comfortably in the ears. Along with the default ear tips, the earbuds come with three additional pairs of ear tips.
Touch Controls
The Redmi Buds 4 Active is loaded with basic touch gestures; for example, a single tap on the buds leads you to play and pause the music/video, a long tap means accessing voice assistant, and a double tap lets you shuffle the playlist, like the most rivals. In the case of Redmi Buds 4 Active, the gestures do the job 6 out of 10 times; not bad, but not that good either.
Connectivity
When it comes to connecting the Redmi Buds 4 Active with your smartphone or laptop, it’s a simple process. Just go to the Bluetooth menu and then wait for a second, and it’ll pop up on your screens, ready to serve. Besides the old convenient way, the buds have another Android-only option, where the buds will show on your Android device in close range. I’ve paired it with Samsung Galaxy A54, and OnePlus 7, it works smoothly.
Audio Performance
The Redmi Buds 4 Active boasts powerful 12mm drivers, on par with the OnePlus Nord Buds’ 12.4mm drivers, delivering a sound that will make your eardrums dance with joy. The earbuds offer an immersive sonic experience and hit the sweet spot at 70% volume, where vocals and instruments take centre stage. However, cranking it up further leads to a loss of detail and audio distortion, a treacherous path to walk.
The Buds 4 Active don’t have a dedicated customization app, and that’s where it stays behind in the race. The hardware inside is ready to handle multiple profiles but missing the resources to make it happen. However, the earbuds offer a great calling experience matching the Nord Buds’ prowess. The crystal-clear audio and flawless microphone of the buds make every conversation shine.
Battery
With a promised battery life of 30 hours (with the case), the Redmi Buds 4 Active won’t leave you hanging. Realistically, you’ll get around 25 hours, depending on usage. Light users can have a week without a charge, yes, that’s right. Just 10 minutes of plugging in and the case grant you a heavenly 90 minutes of battery life. Perfect for those frantic moments when you’re racing against the clock.
Verdict
Rating –⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Redmi Buds 4 Active blend power, clarity, and convenience, crafting a symphony for your ears. However, when you compare them with rivals like the OnePlus Nord Buds 2, they seem stammering. The earbuds offer solid audio performance, a fast pair option and decent battery life at the price of ₹1,399 or ₹1,199* (valid till June 23). So, if you are looking for something at an affordable price, just go for it.
The right amount of everything makes a laptop stand out from its competition. Something similar has been cooked up by Lenovo with its 2023 Yoga 9i, which stuns you in every way possible, well, except for a few things here and there. In simple terms, the latest Yoga 9i by Lenovo is everything a flagship laptop should aim to be. It is the benchmark, but does it justify the price tag of ₹1.7 lakhs? Let’s find out –
Design – All-Rounder Treat
The one aspect where the Yoga 9i definitely stands out is the design. It is a 2-in-1 laptop designed to impress in both its form factors, be it folded or unfolded. The design language of the Yoga 9i is sleek and brings in solid business vibes. Granted, the design is pretty much similar to the previous iteration of the Yoga lineup, but the round edges are something Lenovo has perfected over the years. I spend a big chunk of my working hours writing content where my wrist rests at the laptop’s edge for hours at a time. I did not feel any discomfort while typing on the Yoga 9i for long hours, which is a treat given the typing experience is horrible in nearly all major modern laptops.
There is ample port availability in the Yoga 9i which is surprising given all business laptops tend to chop them off. On the left side, we have two Thunderbolt 4 ports coupled with a USB Type-A port. On the right side is another USB Type-C port which is not Thunderbolt or USB 4, which can be disappointing for some users. The right side also consists of a headphone jack and the power button. Yes, the power button! Perhaps one design decision I do not understand about the Yoga 9i is the awkward position of the power button; the rest is top-notch!
Display & Sound: A Movie Lover’s Heaven
One of the first things I’ve done on my Yoga 9i is watch films at an unhealthy rate. The crisp OLED display is capable of producing some jaw-dropping visuals with all its 4K prowess. The 14-inch 3840 x 2400 display shines all on its own when folded, and watching films and shows in the OLED glory is nothing short of a cinematic treat. In the few weeks I’ve been using this laptop, it has become a staple part of my friends’ circle for Saturday night meetups where we sit down and watch sports or films on it without having to worry about using additional speaker setup.
The Yoga 9i is equipped with Bowers & Wilkins 360-degree rotating soundbar, which is loud, to say the least! It comes with a surprisingly powerful bass which cannot be seen on any other laptop I’ve tested so far. Lenovo has managed to integrate two 2W tweeters into the hinge and two 3W woofers down at the bottom. Ultimately, the Yoga 9i is a powerhouse when it comes to media consumption.
Performance: Just One Complaint
When it comes to the performance of the Yoga 9i, there is not much to complain about. We have the latest 13th Gen Intel i7-1360P here, which is coupled with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The 16GB RAM is soldered in the system and cannot be upgraded, which could be an issue for some users. In my usage of the laptop, 16GB RAM was more than enough to carry out all my work and media consumption activities. However, what we have here is Intel’s integrated graphics system. The lack of a dedicated graphics card cements the fact that the Yoga 9i is indeed a business convertible laptop at its heart and core. While no one is pitting the 9i against a gaming laptop in this price category as it serves a different purpose altogether, a dedicated graphics card would solidify it as the best laptop in the market for this year, undoubtedly.
Verdict
There is a lot to love about the Yoga 9i. However, it is clearly not a machine that is aimed at gaming enthusiasts, including casual gamers. If you’re in the market for a laptop that screams flagship with its looks and aesthetics, then the Lenovo Yoga 9i is the one for you.
Ever since the pandemic changed the way we communicate with technology, tablets have come to the forefront. In today’s time, we see basically every big tech player come up with their own tablets in order to give into the whole ‘Ecosystem’ trend set by Apple. However, OnePlus was quietly waiting for its time to shine to come up with its very own Tablet which has now made its way to the Indian market simply called the – OnePlus Pad. The first generation of the OnePlus Pad stands impressive when it comes to its design factor, but is that all that it has to offer? We beg to differ.
Design
Starting off with the design of this tablet which in itself is a style statement. This sleek machine comes with an ultra-portable form factor. OnePlus is venturing into the tablet arena for the first time and along with it has brought the 2.5D round-edge unified metal body design which hasn’t been done before. It comes with a small 6.7nm bezel which allows an 88% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive visual experience for the users. There is only one colour variant for this tablet which is called ‘Halo Green’ and is inspired by the natural world. It is an eye catchy colour which demands attention and is guaranteed to make some heads turn. One of the most unique aspects of the OnePlus Pad’s design is its camera placement. The camera here is placed at the centre as opposed to the usual top placement seen in tablets. The camera placement choice can be a hit or miss and breaks away from the staple design standard of the tablet. OnePlus claims that the camera placement saves users the hassle of having to adjust when holding the pad and clicking landscape images.
Performance
Android tablets have historically lagged behind when it comes to performance only with the exception of Samsung and Xiaomi’s premium offerings. The OnePlus Pad joins the league of high-performing tablets as the 4nm Dimensity 9000 processor powers it. Users get two RAM options here with 8 and 12GB variants and 128 or 256GB storage. The UFS3.1 LPDDR5 RAM powers through all your computational needs with ease. The tablet is snappy and smooth thanks to its maxed-out 144Hz refresh rate. It features a large 9510mAh battery which can be juiced up with a 67W SUPERVOOC charger. OnePlus claims that the tablet comes with a one-month standby life and just over 12 hours of video streaming. People should note that the tablet does not come with a standalone SIM card slot but comes with a unique feature known as cellular data sharing. This feature kicks in when the distance between a OnePlus phone and the Pad is around 1 to 5 meters and the Pad by default gains access to the 5G signal of a user’s smartphone. This looks like OnePlus is doubling down to the ‘ecosystem’ aspect with the new launch. The camera system here consists of an 8MP front camera and a 13MP back camera. Both lenses are capable of shooting in only 30 frames per second which can be restricting to some users.
Display
One of the primary reasons why people invest in tablets is to consume content on a larger screen. The OnePlus Pad puts heavy emphasis on entertainment by boasting an 11.61-inch screen and the industry’s first-ever 7:5 screen ratio. The display resolution here is 2800×2000 making it a 2K display. However, it is not an AMOLED screen but an IPS LCD one. As mentioned before, it comes with a 144Hz refresh rate with the capability of toggling between 30, 60, 90 and 120Hz.
Accessories
OnePlus is offering two accessories with the OnePlus Pad namely the OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard and the OnePlus Stylo. Both the accessories are implemented well with the Pad and add-on for a seamless overall tablet experience.
In Comparison
Let’s be honest, the tablet market is saturated right now and people have a lot to choose from. Where the OnePlus Pad stands when it comes to the price point is in direct comparison with the iPad. However, the Xiaomi Pad comes somewhat close to the OnePlus Pad’s performance in the Android arena. However, users will lose out on bigger battery life and the smooth 144Hz display on that one.
Verdict
OnePlus’ first-ever venture into the tablet arena is a triumphant knock out of the park. it‘s got everything you expect from a tablet coupled with some never seen before features which put it in the top spectrum of the tablets available in the market today.
The Jimny moniker has been around since 1970. We Indians found the taste of the Jimny in a relatively nifty named product, Gypsy, since the 80s. The Gypsy was so popular the Indian defence ministry adopted it for their missions. Maruti brings the 4th generation 5-door Jimny to India after years of market research and time. This one is a thoroughbred ladder frame 4×4, famous for its power-to-weight ratio and, in dimensions, a more approachable form factor than the behemoth SUVs of our current era. Like the Thar, this one has an appeal with the boxy measurements and actual functionality backing that style. How good is the Jimny when it comes to driving capabilities? Let’s check it out as we put the Jimny through its natural habitat in Dehradun.
Jimny is the global name of this product in India; it reminds us of a famous Indian cinema song. It is also offered in the Zeta variant with the same engine but different colours and some missing features compared to the Alpha version we drove. The stance of this vehicle is not at all intimidating like most 4×4 vehicles. The squared-off proportions include clever engineering and more than ample 2590mm of wheelbase despite being a sub-4-meter SUV. This is a retro-modern design, which is the era’s flavour.
Retro-modern design
The Gypsy was loved for its design and appeal of being something more than other cars during its era. In Kalyuga, Jimny has competition in both the style and functionality expected from a practical lifestyle car. Surprisingly, the Jimny brings compact SUV proportions with similar body-to-weight ratios as the competition. The Jimny is an attention grabber on roads. While there are behemoth SUVs and off-roaders with dimensions rivaling a small truck, the Jimny feels like a very accommodating stance, welcoming all kinds of people to experience a durable and easy-to-live 4×4 vehicle in India, where roads exist on Google Maps but not in reality. Suzuki Allgrip Pro drives the AWD 3-Link suspension configuration of this relatively lightweight compact SUV just shy of 1.2 tonnes, that’s almost 550 kgs less than a Thar.
Jimny proportions stand at 1720mm height, 1645mm width and 3985mm width, including the alloy spare tyre. Despite the overall stance seeming lower and longer than most thoroughbred rectangle designs, the wheelbase at 2590mm is healthy with 208L boot space, more with a split seat configuration on the rear. The ground clearance at 210mm brings excellent climb, depart angles and water bedding capabilities. There are 3 request sensors on the front two doors and the rear door with the mounted spare wheel. Opening the hatch anticlockwise is easy with the hydraulic strut. The front fascia on the Alpha version in this variant-specific kinetic yellow (neon green) looks stunning in a blend of retro meets modern design. The round LED lights are complimented with a chrome-splashed grill and chunky bumpers, including headlight washers.
The roof is all metal with railings to guide water or ice through channels on the circumference and doubles as a mount holder for the optional roof carriage accessory. The stock Jimny looks nice, but Maruti is offering additional accessories for the Jimny, including skid plates, graphic decals, wheel covers for the spare tyre, edge crash protectors and more. The front windows have neat design lines, and despite the 3-door appeal of the internationally acclaimed Jimny, the 5-door version looks proportionally appealing.
A perfect blend of functionality and practicality
If you’ve experienced the Maruti Gypsy, the interiors of the new-age Jimny are familiarly retro yet modern. The instrument cluster pays homage to iconic Gypsy with similar analogue meters and amber backlights. Squeezed between the two analogue meters is a grayscale display with ample 2D animations of doors opening, seat belts, drive information and more to claim its modernity. The MID is clad with multiple indication lights camouflaged inside the analogue and digital presentation. At the centre is a 9-inch infotainment system with media controls in capacitive touch and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The HVAC controls with auto climate control are displayed in neat amber backlit digital display controlled through good quality rotary knobs. The console also features front window controls and hill-descend controls in tactile switches breaking the monotony with style.
The seats are strictly limited to four but have excellent cushioning and are one of the best seats in Maruti India’s arsenal. One naturally seats high, and there are no electric adjustments. The weirdest part is the space limitation, as all passengers share two bottle holders between the front seats. There are ample handles to hold on to, and rear doors have individual electric window controls, which may be limited to the Alpha variants. The interior is all black, and the amber backlight adds a sense of sportiness to the package. The muti-tone and textures bring sturdy appeal yet accommodating space for all kinds of adventure. Unlike other thoroughbreds, the ingress and egress angles are more leisurely, and there’s sufficient knee room with excellent headroom. Interiors could have been practical with door storage units accommodating nothing more than your phone and wallets, but this purpose-built vehicle also sprinkles modern-day creature comforts. The round and rectangular AC vents have a quality feel, while the interior space is illuminated with those large rectangle windows on all doors.
On-road or off-road?
The Jimny’s K15 B series 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces 103 bhp with 132 Nm of torque from as low as 4K rpm. It is offered with a 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT. 2H, 4H and 4L gearbox settings with hill descend, O/D controls, and a brake-assisted LSD helps this lightweight car gain traction to wheels that need it most. We drove the 4-Speed AT, and while this retro engine and gearbox combination might feel unusable on paper in the modern era, this is an excellent combination off-road. The high-profile wheels are clad with Bridgestone Dueler dual-purpose tyres sizes 195/80 R15, and the 15-inch alloys or steel rims suit the Jimny.
What’s unexpected is the steering heft, almost similar to the Thar and a short turning radius, an irony considering the sizable dimensions. This steering requires some energy to operate, especially on normal tarmacs of the twisties, but the excellent chassis does a good job managing the body roll and body control. The Jimny glides over any road-undulating terrain on normal roads, and the NVH levels are top-notch. The AT gearbox does not like being revved hard and will take its sweet time to downshift and overtake on a sudden throttle response. The exciting part is that the Jimny linearly produces power despite the conditions. The Maruti K15 B series engine is a mighty performer considering it produces limited power on paper. Still, the gearing of the Jimny makes this car absolutely capable when off-roads. It is light and more fun in MT, but the clutch action is again like most of its rivals, and gearshifts in MT could have been sleeker. The AT holds on the revs almost till its red line when the throttle is pinned to the metal and somehow performs like a small diesel engine in its behaviour.
There is a fish-eye effect with static lines on the rear-view camera, and the placement of sensors with a camera is questionable, but it exists. Apart from the differential settings and locks, there are three drive modes, regular D engages all gears (O/D on-off), D2 allows only 1st and 2nd gear and L mode engages only the 1st gear for extreme conditions. The Jimny also features hill-hold and hill-descent (fixed to 5km/h). The overall chassis, suspensions and wheels bring a comfortable drive to the Jimny, surpassing the expectations of pliant ride quality from a rugged vehicle. The Jimny might feel a bit slow on the tarmac, and the steering does require some hand gymnastics while taking sharp or U-turns, but when the roads end, and trails start, the Jimny suddenly changes into a whole different beast.
The Jimny with Suzuki Allgrip Pro 4×4 drive system and the cleverly engineered suspension setup work wonders with the ladder frame chassis. The stance, electric and mechanical prowess of Maruti Suzuki engineering helps this vehicle simply glide through the roughest terrains and tackle everything nature offers with the utmost composure. It almost rivals the ride quality of twice/thrice-the-price vehicles on off-road trails, climbs and action. The compact nature helps change directions through tight corners, while climbs are a piece of cake with light throttle inputs, mimicking a diesel engine. The hill-hold/descent functions allow maximum control without brake inputs, even at extreme angles. 3-link Rigid axle type with coil spring is a gem mainly off-road with a 50-degree departure angle, 36-degree approach angle and 24-degree ramp break-over angle. This vehicle is in its natural habitat when roads stop existing. We could carry insane speeds, and the only thing skidding us through the trails were the Bridgestone tyres, but a proper pair of off-road tyres would have our back. Nonetheless, the front disc and rear drum configuration is one of Maruti’s best, allowing immense control.
Verdict – Gem of an off-road machine
The Jimny stands true to the moniker and the years of legacy of the Maruti Gypsy in India. There are barely a few cars that click all the right boxes for their form factors. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a stunning off-roader with a fashionable retro-modern design grabbing all the right and wrong curiosity on Indian roads. It may perform sufficiently on roads; it simply shines in nature’s abode. The Jimny is a perfect blend of functionality, practicality and generational design conventionality.
Specs :
1462cc NA K15 B-series 16V engine
5-Speed MT & 4-Speed AT
103BHP & 132NM
Wheelbase – 2590mm
3-link Rigid axle type suspensions with coil spring
Suzuki Allgrip Pro 4×4 system
Google Pixel devices have often delivered the best of Android money can buy. Emphasis on the ‘money’ part cause these devices DO NOT come at a cheaper price tag. However, Pixel’s A series phones have been a delight as they bring you all the Android greatness at a considerably cheaper rate. This year around, the Google Pixel 7a undoubtedly brings more value for your money with a higher refresh rate, solid camera setup, and wireless charging. But is that all? Let’s find out –
A Notable Upgrade
Google has definitely built upon the complaints of the Pixel 6a and introduced better features in its latest midrange offering. This time around, we have a higher 90Hz refresh rate and wireless charging which was missing in the Pixel 6a. Now, we understand that the competition offers a 120Hz refresh rate at this price point but we’ve got to give credits where credit is due. Surprisingly, the higher refresh rate is turned off by default in the settings and users need to it on manually. The display is vibrant and watching content on it is a treat for sure. What is new is also the face unlock feature which was missing in the Pixel 6a. There’s also an under-display fingerprint sensor that is snappy and works like a charm.
Moving on, the back of the device is unapologetically plastic but looks and feels premium to hold. The colour variant we’re using is called ‘Charcoal’ with other variants like Sea and Snow available too. It looks similar to the Pixel 7 which could confuse a lot of consumers out there.
Superior Cameras
The camera placement is now similar to the flagship Pixel 7 devices and the sensors here might as well be the best in performance in this price range. The Pixel 7a is capable of clicking some amazing shots with an upgraded 64MP primary lens as compared to the 12.2MP lens in the 6a. The beast of a primary lens is coupled with an ultrawide 13MP lens. In front, we have a 13MP selfie lens which is a winner. The camera setup is capable of clicking some stellar images even in low light conditions which will leave you pleasantly surprised. There’s no telephoto lens here and the device relies solely on digital zoom for its pictures which starts to lose details beyond 3x and 4x. Overall, the camera setup is sweet, capturing crisp images in almost every condition. Check out the samples below –
Inside the hood
The right side of the device features a volume rocker and a lock button which click really well so all of us anxious folks can legit spend their time clicking them, though I wouldn’t advise that. One drawback could be the absence of a dual or hybrid slim slot as it features a single slot. Users can use an e-sim in case they want to use two numbers, but no physical slot for the same.
Where Pixel 7a wins is with its Tensor G2 chipset which is the same chip powering the higher variants – Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. We have 8GB RAM and 128GB Storage. That’s it… No Virtual RAM, no 256GB or 512 GB storage options. Just the simple 128GB Storage – take it or leave it!
Inside the hood, we have a 4385mAh battery running the game which might sound small to people but performs real well in real-time usage. I could easily get through my day with a single charge and moderate usage on the Pixel 7a. However, what’s underwhelming is the 18W charging support which lags way behind the competition and takes too long to charge from single to triple digits. It takes me around 2 hours on average to juice this device up to a 100 which is not ideal in the current scenario where some devices survive a day with just half an hour of charge. While we have wireless charging here it clocks out at 7.5W which Is underwhelming but alright.
Just one concern
Now that we have established that this indeed is one of the best midrange devices available in India right now, Let’s jump on something that does not work with the Pixel 7a. It Heats Up! It heats up to the point where it is noticeable.. On average usage and clicking photos, the device becomes considerably hot on the sides which will alarm the users. Sometimes the device was also noticed getting warm on standby which was surprising. However, it cools down as quickly as it heats up.
Verdict
The Pixel 7a is one of the best midrange devices you can buy right now. It squeezes a premium smartphone experience into a much smaller and cheaper device which genuinely gives the standard Pixel 7 a run for its money. It’s got Google’s premium chipset, and a bigger 90Hz screen. The original Android experience with Google’s homegrown OS and also five years of support. If you’re interested in a no-nonsense device which does not overwhelm you with bloatware and performs wholeheartedly then the Pixel 7a is indeed the one for you. At 43,999 the Pixel 7a is a winner!
If you are looking for an excellent tablet that serves as a healthy companion to your already large phones, there are only so many good options in India. Samsung makes excellent AMOLED tablets, but those are priced in similar categories as the iPads and the sheer iPad OS features, ecosystem locks, and restricted customisations are in a niche of their own. Xiaomi launched its Pad 5 almost two years ago, and this year it finally has competition from OnePlus. I bought the Pad 5 during its first sale and have been using it ever since. It has got several updates and is running the on the latest MIUI 14 OS based on Android 13. There is a significant price difference between the two, but how good is the new OnePlus Pad vs Xiaomi’s offering from two years ago? Let’s find out.
Design and built – Two different approaches
The Xiaomi Pad 5 features what you would consider an iPad Pro design form factor. It’s a polycarbonate matte-finish rear design with a camera island familiar to Xiaomi phones during the launch year. The rounded rectangle design is excellent to hold in hands from different angles and feels symmetrical. Overall it’s a tried and tested design with tactile buttons and relatively thicker bezels. Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support stereo switching based on the tablet’s orientation. At 511 gms, the tablet does feel tiring to hold when gaming for long, but a stand can solve this issue for most tablets. At 11 inches in a 16:10 aspect ratio, the physical dimensions are smaller than the OnePlus Pad.
The OnePlus Pad has an exciting design with a 2K 11.61-inch display. Despite weighing more than the Xiaomi Pad 5, at 550 gms, the OnePlus Pad feels slimmer to hold thanks to the clever design. Both the tablets miss a headphone jack, which is a huge turn-off. So they had the space to fill in 4 speakers in both tablets but could not make room for a little headphone jack? OnePlus expects you to use this tablet in landscape mode for most of your usage. Hence, the cameras are also placed in landscape orientation at their rear and upfront.
Display – 500nits of goodness
Why does one take a tablet? It has to be their display. In 2021, Xiaomi offered the Pad 5 with 500 nits of brightness IPS 2.5K+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The content looks rich, and display settings allow ample customisations on both tablets. In isolation, these tablets provide excellent video viewing performance coupled with great audio quality from Dolby Vision and Atmos support on both these tablets. The OnePlus Pad hits the ball right out of the park with support for a 144Hz refresh rate and a similar 2k resolution with similar 500 nits of brightness. OnePlus also offers various customisation options on the display as per your liking, which are more or less similar to Xiaomi Pad 5.
The real difference arises when one watches HDR content. Playing the same content next to each other reveals that the Xiaomi Pad 5 does good black levels, but then again, it suffers insane black crush issues. A thing reminiscent of 2021 Xiaomi devices in India, my Xiaomi Mi 11x has this black crush issue when playing HDR content. The OnePlus Pad, on the other hand, does not produce the same HDR brightness levels or deep black contrasts, but overall is the better display among the two for overall content consumption. Games and HDR content have no issues in the darkest areas, while the extra screen estate brings an increased immersive experience. On standard videos, you cannot go wrong with either of the tablets with sharpness, colours and saturation.
Performance – More than satisfactory
Considering that the Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched in the year 2021, it bought a balanced performance with the Snapdragon 860. It’s a 7nm SoC and has been performing flawlessly since the time I own the Xiaomi Pad 5. I have been gaming on this tablet ever since, and with updates, the tablet has become more efficient, if not powerful. The 6GB RAM + 3GB expandable is enough in most scenarios, but MIUI could get aggressive at RAM management, especially with gaming apps in the background.
OnePlus Pad is powered by a 4nm Mediatek Dimensity 9000 processor with 12GB RAM + 4 GB expandable. This one performs flawlessly and at times, better than the Snapdragon 860 in the Xiaomi Pad 5. This is apparent, especially during gaming; you can carry much higher frames and graphics settings in comparison. For example, Call of Duty mobile allows 120fps on the OnePlus Pad compared to a max of 90fps on the Pad 5. RAM management is similar to Xiaomi Pad 5, though games tend to reload if put in the background for more time than necessary. Overall, the wireless connectivity with dual-band WiFi on both pads is impressive, with the OnePlus Pad scoring high on WiFi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.3 compared to Bluetooth 5 on the Pad 5. Every app opens and performs excellently on these tablets.
OS – Tables turn
Performance shall only be as good as the software it runs on. This applies to both the Xiaomi Pad 5 and the OnePlus Pad. OnePlus Pad runs on the Oxygen OS 13.1, and apart from flexible Windows settings, nothing resembles anything special for the tablet. OnePlus needs to improve on this and provide an OTA update specifically for the OnePlus Pad. This feels like Color/Oxygen OS displayed on a large screen. The Xiaomi Pad 5 takes the cake in the software department. The tablet is feature loaded with gestures, multitasking capabilities with up to 5 windows running together, a dock accessible in most apps irrespective of the orientation and much more. MIUI 14 on the Pad 5 eliminates all the bloatware usually associated with affordable Xiaomi devices and brings a neat usage experience tailored to the tablet form factor.
Camera – They exist
OnePlus thinks we use the tablet in landscape orientation and never turn it to portrait mode like we never consume digital magazines or read articles online in comfortable portrait modes. Nonetheless, the camera placement is questionable. If you’re right-handed, you will smudge the rear and front cameras on the OnePlus Pad by simply holding the tablet. The best part is that the front 8MP with motion tracking and the rear 13MP camera are decent enough for use. Do not expect any phone-level performance from either tablet, but here are some photos and videos for your reference.
Accessories – Promises
Apart from chargers, the additional accessories for OnePlus Pad include a magnetic keyboard with a mouse pad that supports gestures. This accessory is worth 8K INR, making it a perfect small productive machine on the go. The typing experience is excellent for a tablet accessory, and the mouse pad is generous enough for the form factor. There’s also a stylus for all the creatives out there, which costs 5K INR and is nothing as impressive as the Apple Pencil or the Samsung S-pen but does its job well and charges magnetically via the OnePlus Pad. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has disappointed big time with its accessories options, there is only the Pen that can be had for 6K INR and brings 240Hz touch sampling with pressure points, but there is still no keyboard case available. Bluetooth keyboard is the only option as of now for the Xiaomi Pad 5. I hope they bring promised accessories with the next iteration; that said, isn’t it high time?
Battery and charging
The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a generous 8720mAh battery which charges via the bundled 33W charger. The OnePlus Pad has a 9510mAh battery which charges at 67W via the bundled 100W charger. The OnePlus Pad charges faster and lasts longer thanks to its efficiency and the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 4nm processor. If the Xiaomi Pad 5 lasts about 2-3 days over gaming, video consumption and music listening, the OnePlus Pad can easily surpass that time by almost 12 more hours than the Pad 5.
Verdict
The OnePlus Pad is definitely the one to get among the two if you are in the market for a great Android tablet. The Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched almost two years ago and still serves as an excellent value proposition for people strictly on a budget. In a world where flagship phones cost twice as much as these tablets, the OnePlus Pad brings flagship performance in a significant form factor. It is worth the additional asking price compared to the Xiaomi Pad 5. I am a Xiaomi Pad 5 owner, and the OnePlus Pad impresses with the hardware but desperately needs good tablet-oriented software. An exemplary job OnePlus on your first tablet. Xiaomi, it’s time for the Pad 6!
